Great Britain. Crown, 1822. S.3805; ESC-252; KM-680.2. George IV. By Benedetto Pistrucci. Obverse; Laureate draped bust of king left. Reverse; St George slaying dragon. TERTIO edge. Flawless eye catching mint state specimen with iridescent golden-green toning over brilliant mirror surfaces. Razor sharp detail is exceptional. It has the appearance of a proof coin. PCGS graded MS-64. Estimate Value $3,500 - 4,000
* Although now considered an impressive coin and one of the classics of the British numismatic series, the king considered the portrait unflattering and was determined to see it replaced by a more flattering and youthful portrait by William Wyon (1795-1851) after a bust by Sir Francis Chantrey (1781-1842). The practice of portraying a king as a Roman emperor was becoming unfashionable, but Pistrucci's portrait of George IV remains one of the most iconic in the British series.